Orlando Above Ground Pool Installations

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Remodeling an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Liner replacements/changeouts,Uncategorized

Updating or upgrading an above-ground swimming pool is very limited. Since above-ground pools are manufactured kits and not custom-made, there is very little that you can do to change them.

There are thousands of existing above-ground pools in Orlando. And with people constantly moving here along with a very long swim season, many find themselves with an above-ground swimming pool that they want to look better. 

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR ABOVE-GROUND POOL LOOK BETTER

Don’t like the way your AG pool looks? There’s not a lot you can do, but there are some things.

1 Change the liner

Here in Orlando and Central Florida, a quality liner will last an average of 5-8 years. Well before that though, some will fade or “bleach” completely white. 

Getting a new liner for your pool is the biggest improvement that you can make both for its appearance and performance.  A liner changeout gives you an opportunity to make these upgrades:

A Upgrade the liner or change the pattern

Liners for above-ground pools come in three types and several patterns. Going from an overlap type to a j-hook/unibead type can make the pool look better from the outside (as you will no longer see any liner hanging over the pool’s wall).

Getting a liner with a tile pattern or one with fish on it can be fun and change the look of your pool.

B Fix and smooth out the pool’s bottom

If you have been swimming in a pool with a rough and bumpy bottom or you can now feel roots or sharp things, then changing the liner and redoing the pool bottom can be a major improvement.  

Also, fixing and smoothing your pool bottom will make it easier to vacuum or auto cleaner to do its job. 

C Adding a main drain

Is your pool hard to maintain? Adding a main drain will give your pool perfect circulation AND make it easier to keep clean.  

NOTE: Adding a main drain can only be done when changing the liner

D Making a deep center

Above-ground swimming pools are made to have flat bottoms. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a deeper center if you want. 

A well-shaped deep center that is one foot deeper can be done using a standard liner (for the size of your pool) with usually no wrinkles. This can upgrade the swim experience more than you might think. 

NOTE: Adding a deep center to an existing pool is not easy or cheap.  This is partially because the earth has to be dug out and thrown over the pool wall. 

2 Rebuild the wood deck

Here in Orlando, wood decks take a beating from the harsh sun and summer weather, so they don’t last forever. 

Because they deteriorate slowly, people will find themselves dealing with a worn-out deck and not realize that it looks bad and is hazardous. 

Changing out the deck boards on an above-ground pool’s wood deck is a hard and expensive job, but looks and feels beautiful when done. 

3 Replacing rusty, faded, cracked, or sun-beaten top rails and caps

Parts for above-ground pools are freakishly expensive! If you are looking to upgrade the look of your pool though and the top rails are in poor condition, it may be worth it to replace them.

MY OPINION: Before spending any real money on pool frame parts, make sure the pool’s wall is in good condition on the inside.  This can only really be done during the time of changing the pool’s liner, so wait for liner change time before considering these purchases.

4 Add a deck or more deck

Do you have an above-ground pool out in the yard with no deck? Adding a deck either high up or at ground level will make the pool look better and increase your pool user experience tenfold.

Now, decks are expensive. I just want to acknowledge that while I’m spending your money LOL.

5 Add landscaping

Central Florida is considered “humid subtropical”.  This means a lot of things will grow here. 

Adding borders, walkways, and lighting along with plants, rocks, or mulch incorporated with an above-ground pool can make a difference like night and day. 

Start by standing outside your back door or looking out the window. Visualize what some layered landscaping can do to make your pool and pool area look amazing. 

6 Replacing the top rails with composite wood

Replacement parts for above-ground pools are ridiculously expensive. I just changed the liner for a guy who bought new top rails and top caps for his 18-year-old, 24’ round pool. The top rails were $111 each and the top caps were $45 each (2024 prices). So, at 16 pieces each, this guy paid almost $2500 for these parts.  

I would never recommend paying that much to make an above-ground pool frame look refreshed. Usually, if the top rails must be replaced, I say to buy a whole new pool. That way for a little more, you get everything new.

Some have replaced their pool’s top rails with composite wood planks.  This will take some level of carpenter skills, but you may be surprised how good you can make the top of the pool look using wood. 

WHAT I DON’T RECOMMEND DOING TO MAKE YOUR ABOVE-GROUND POOL LOOK BETTER

Over my now 38 years of working with above-ground swimming pools in Orlando, I have seen people do two things that I don’t recommend.

The first is painting your pool wall and uprights. Those who hate the look of their pool’s wall and choose to paint it are rarely happy with the outcome.

The second is pool owners will cover their pool wall with lattice or wood siding. I don’t recommend this because it’s better for an above-ground to have an open breathable space outside and around it. You don’t want any moisture to get trapped anywhere near the pool’s wall.

Also, structures with or without plants too close to the pool will promote bugs, bees, snakes, and other critters that you don’t want in or near your pool. 

MOVING AND/OR SINKING AN EXISTING ABOVE-GROUND POOL IS USUALLY TOO EXPENSIVE

It’s common for people to want to improve their above-ground pool by either moving it to another location in the yard AND/OR burying it some.

While this can greatly improve the look of the pool and yard, people rarely decide to make this change after hearing how much it will cost.  

Depending on the pool size and shape, it can typically cost in the range of 2K-3K to take down, re-install, and dig a hole for a semi-inground application. And don’t forget any pool that is moved will need a new liner. 

Help! My above ground pool is leaking in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Liner replacements/changeouts,Repairs,Uncategorized

It’s never fun when you realize that your above-ground swimming pool is losing water. Here in Orlando, there aren’t many to help you with this issue. In most cases, you’re on your own.

Over the last 38 years of being in the pool business, I have had a lot of people call me to ask about their pool leaking. In this time, I’ve learned that there is a clear first step.

FIRST, MAKE SURE YOUR POOL ACTUALLY HAS A LEAK

If I had a dollar for every time someone thought they had a leak in their above-ground pool but actually didn’t, then I’d have a lot more money than years ago when I used to say “If I had a dime for every…..”.

It’s very common for people to think their pool is leaking when it isn’t. Hopefully, this is the case for you. Here are common ways pools lose water without a leak.

A Evaporation

In Orlando, I have seen pools lose up to 1/4 inch of water per day from evaporation. This may not seem like much, but over a week, that’s almost two inches of water loss.

Loss from evaporation is highest in the drier months, so in Central Florida, expect to lose more water in the fall and spring. Also, it doesn’t rain consistently in the fall and spring as it does in the summer, so that can add to your thinking that there is a leak.

B Heavy bather load

Lots of swimmers (especially kids) can remove more water from the pool than some think. Splashing and exiting the pool will remove some water. And that can add up. A swimmer can pull out as much as four gallons of water when exiting the pool. Although, most won’t pull that much.

C Garden hose left in pool

When adding water to the pool, you use a garden hose which is connected to your water source.

When the pool is filled up, some will turn off the water spigot AND leave the hose in the pool. With the spigot turned off, sometimes the water will siphon out through the hose in the opposite direction and you won’t notice.

This sounds like it can’t happen, but it does. More often than you think.

MARK THE WATER LEVEL, CHECK EVERY 24 HOURS

To make sure that you have a leak, mark the water level in the pool well every 24 hours. Take into account any rain and don’t add any water.

Record the water loss.

DEFINITELY HAVE A LEAK? DO THE SIMPLE THINGS FIRST

1 Now that you know you have a leak, before calling anyone, look closely around the pump, filter, and lines going to the pool. Look for moisture.

NOTE: The plastic flex hoses that attach the pump and filter to the skimmer and return don’t last forever and can get pinhole leaks in them.

2 Look under the skimmer box and at the wall under the return fitting for moisture.

NOTE: An above-ground pool has only two openings in the liner – the skimmer and the return fitting. This is a very common area for leaks.

3 Look closely around the outside of the pool next to the wall. Move anything out of your way to see if the ground is unusually wet next to the bottom of the wall.

4 With the pump off and the water very still, look into the pool at the bottom for any new divots or cavities. This is where leaking water can cause ruts or crevasses in the pool’s bottom.

NEXT STEP – TURN OFF THE PUMP AND LET THE WATER LEVEL DROP DOWN

It’s important to rule out a leak at the pool’s equipment (pump/filter, etc.) or skimmer/return by allowing the leaking water level to drop lower than the skimmer and return openings in the pool.

NOTE: If the water level drops well below the skimmer and return openings (and you don’t have a main drain), then your leak is in the liner somewhere.

FINDING A LEAK IN THE LINER IS DIFFICULT

If you have successfully ruled out the leak being in the equipment or the skimmer/return fitting, then it’s most likely in the liner somewhere.

Finding a hole in an above-ground pool liner can be very hard. If attempting yourself, you will need at least dye, an applicator (syringe, ear dropper, etc), a water mask, a weight belt, and a lot of patience.

WHO TO CALL FOR AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL LEAK IN ORLANDO?

For this, I have some bad but accurate news. You’re most likely not going to find a pool person in Orlando to look for a leak in an above-ground pool. If you are in the country some in Lake, Polk, or Volusia counties, you may find a pool guy out there that’s willing to attempt it, but don’t hold your breath (unless you’re looking for a leak underwater)

You will be able to get a leak detection company to look for it, but it’s going to be expensive. Maybe more than it’s worth.

In most cases, you will have to find the leak on your own. The good news is that once you find it, the hole is often easy to patch using an underwater patch kit.

IF THE POOL OR LINER WAS JUST INSTALLED, IT MAY BE A SEAM SEPARATION

Above-ground pool liners are made from vinyl pieces that are fused together. These seams connect the floor vinyl pieces with the side pieces. Sometimes, these fused seams will fail and open up.

This almost always happens within a day or two of the liner getting installed.

A “seam separation” is a manufacturer’s defect, so you will get a new liner for free, but that’s it. You’ll have to pay to have the liner put in and pay for the new water and any startup chemicals you just lost though.

IF THE LINER IS FOUR YEARS OLD OR OLDER AND LEAKING, CONSIDER REPLACING IT

Here in Orlando, the average life of a quality above-ground pool liner is 5 – 8 years. As they get older, the vinyl material becomes brittle. And as it gets brittle, the liner will start getting little holes or cracks in it.

At that point, it’s best to just replace the entire liner as it will continue to get more and more little holes in it.

I REPLACE ABOVE-GROUND POOL LINERS

If you have discovered that you will be needing a new liner for your pool, then contact me if you don’t want to do it yourself. Sometimes in the summer, I’m too busy with full pool installs to do liner changeouts, but in the colder months, I’m always available. Here’s a liner change price sheet.

There is Rust on My Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Repairs,Uncategorized

With traditional above-ground swimming pools in Orlando, rust can be one of the biggest concerns. Some rust is really no big deal while other rust means the end of the pool.

When is rust a concern? When is it no big deal? Hopefully, this article will help answer some questions.

METAL-WALLED ABOVE-GROUND POOLS ARE MADE OF STEEL, ALUMINUM, OR RESIN PARTS

Also called “hard-sided” AG pools come in all different variations of what parts are made of what. An above-ground pool has a wall, frame, and vinyl liner.

99 percent of the time, the wall of the pool is made of either steel or aluminum. Both will corrode (Steel makes a rust color, while aluminum pits away in small white circles)

The frame of the pool can be made of either steel, aluminum, resin, and usually a combination of a couple of those.

Only parts made of steel or aluminum will corrode.

PARTS OF AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL THAT CAN RUST (CORRODE)

1 The outside of the wall under the skimmer or return fitting

This is one of the most concerning areas to have rust. Rust in this area usually means that the skimmer box or the return fitting is leaking and has been for a while. This is not good.

Rust in this area should be looked at closely and addressed immediately.

Some surface rust is not ideal, but OK. It’s when the rust gets deeper into the metal wall that there will be a major issue.

The wall of the pool holds all the water, so if the rust starts to weaken the wall’s ability to hold the water, then it will burst and the pool will need replacing.

2 The outside of the wall at the bottom

Sometimes the pool’s wall will rust at the bottom. This can be due to ground moisture, what is sitting next to the pool (at ground level), foliage growing next to the pool, a weed whacker removing the coating, etc.

Rust at the bottom of the wall is concerning if it is starting to rust deep into the wall. Sticking a screwdriver into the rust area will help tell you how deep it is.

3 Rust in the outside middle of the wall

Rust somewhere randomly in the middle of the wall usually means something hit the pool causing it to scratch or dent and began the rust process. This can be from a rock thrown from a lawnmower, kids throwing things, a neighbor shooting his gun or bow(welcome to Florida), etc.

It’s usually not an issue, but again, using something to poke at the rusted area will tell you if it’s rusting into the wall.

4 Rust on the top rails

rust on top rail of above ground pool in Orlando

Rusty top rails usually aren’t any cause for concern unless it’s severe. If it’s so rusty that there are jagged, sharp areas, then that can be dangerous to swimmers.

Most of the time though, rust on top rails just looks bad and people can live with that.

5 Rusty upright/s (vertical supports)

Some will get very concerned when they discover that one or two of their pool’s uprights are rusting through. This will not look good, but in most cases, the pool will be fine even if a couple of uprights are rusted completely in half.

They have just some structural value for the pool’s frame, but not much for the wall(which is what holds the water), so don’t be alarmed in that regard.

6 Rusty parts under the top rails

Under the top rails of an AG pool, there will be connector plates and top stabilizer bars. Regardless of what the top rails are made of, what’s under them can be made of steel or aluminum.

Sometimes a pool owner will notice some small pieces of rust in the pool and wonder where it’s coming from. Usually, the rust is flaking off of either the top connectors OR the stabilizer bars from under the top rails.

Taking a peek under the pool’s top rails from the outside of the pool will show if anything is rusting.

Rusty top connector plates and stabilizer bars can be annoying if flaking off into the pool water, but they don’t need to be addressed right away.

If these parts are becoming very rusty though, then they may have to be replaced when it’s time to change the liner in the pool as they all have to come off.

7 Surface rust at the inside of the pool’s wall

Surface rust inside of an above ground pool in Orlando

Usually, rust can only be identified inside of the wall when the liner is removed, which is usually during a liner changeout.

With this, some surface rust is ok and won’t hurt anything. If there is a lot of surface rust though, wall foam is recommended before installing the new liner.

This is a thin layer of foam glued onto the wall which will prevent the rust from touching the new liner anywhere.

8 Deep rust at the inside of the pool’s wall

rust spot on above ground pool at bottom of the wall
Piece of liner with rust from wall
close view of rust hole in the bottom of an above ground pool

Again, usually discovered during a liner changeout, deep rust that is penetrating through the wall is cause for concern. Use a screwdriver or utility knife and poke the rusted areas to assess how deep the rust is or if it has rusted completely through the wall.

Rust on the walls that is penetrating deep into the metal is a major issue. One that is usually the cause for a total pool replacement.

WHAT CAUSES RUST ON ABOVE-GROUND POOLS?

When mixing metal with moisture, you’re going to have corrosion. So, swimming pools with metal parts that are outside have a high likelihood of corroding.

Not all above-ground pool rust though. In my now 38 years of working with them, I have seen many pools that are 10, 15, and even 20 years old with not a piece of rust. Most will rust some though with little issue.

Here in Orlando and Central Florida, we get morning dew. Dew makes everything outside a little wet in the morning. Then when that Florida sun comes up, it heats and dries everything back out. This can happen 200 days a year or more in Central Florida.

Dew isn’t an issue with above-ground pools because everything dries completely in a couple of hours. So, it’s when moisture stays on metal pool parts for extended periods of time that will cause corrosion or rust. Like if the pool has a leak for example.

A small leak in your above-ground pool may be no be deal to you (especially during the Orlando summer when it rains every day), but allowing it to continue may be keeping the metal wall wet in an area for too long.

Prolonged exposure to wetness can eventually cause the protective coatings of metal pool parts to break down or lift which exposes the metal to moisture. Then rust begins.

TREATING RUSTY PARTS OF AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL

When some have rust on their pool’s top rails, they will take them off, sand them down, and then paint them with some form of anti-rust coating (like Rustoleum).

This usually will make the top rails look better for a while, but eventually, the rust comes back. Usually, rust comes back sooner than later for all parts that pool owners try to protect. Most will feel it wasn’t worth all that sanding and painting as it didn’t buy them much time.

Some will go through the big job of sanding down all the surface rust on the inside wall of their AG pool, Then they coat it with different things. Most just use Rustoleum paint and others will spend a lot on a fancier anti-corrosion chemical, then paint.

With the inside of pool walls, treating the rusted walls do rarely any good at all (except give good exercise to those who sanded them down). The corrosion almost always continues right after a new liner goes in and the pool is filled and back in use.

So, for rusted parts of an above-ground pool, I recommend either living with them (if they aren’t too bad) or seeing if you can find replacement parts and replace them.

NOTE: Sometimes you can replace metal top connectors and stabilizer bars with resin-made ones. Will-bar made pools do offer this on a couple of models.

If your pool wall (on the inside) has only surface rust, then I recommend buying and using wall foam when the time comes to change the liner. This will protect the new liner from being damaged by the surface rust

And if your pool’s wall is rusted completely through, you may be able to repair it with a partial wall replacement, but that is expensive, and hard to find someone who can do it correctly. More than likely, Replacing the entire pool is the way to go if the area is rusted through low and more than a couple of inches wide.

WHEN A RUSTED ABOVE-GROUND POOL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

There are four main reasons that you may want to replace your AG pool due to rust/corrosion.

A The wall is rusted through

With an above-ground pool, it’s the wall that holds all of that water in place. The entire pool frame can be rusted, broken, or even removed, the pool will stay up.

A little rust hole towards the bottom of the wall though, and the pool can split open sending thousands of gallons of water into the yard and killing the pool.

Rusted-through pool walls should be addressed quickly as it can be a dangerous situation. In many cases, replacing the entire pool is the best answer.

B Rusting top rails are a danger to swimmers

The top rails of an above-ground pool are where swimmers will grab onto while using the pool or use them to get in or out of the water.

Rusted and jagged top rails can pose a threat to swimmers by cutting them when they grab on. Not cool.

When you can’t find replacement top rails (for your model) or it’s too expensive to do so, then replacing the pool is the best option.

C Pieces of rust are falling into the water

When top connectors, stabilizer bars, or even top rails are severely rusted, small pieces of rust will come off and fall into the pool. This can be a pain to constantly clean up. Also, sharp rusty pieces can cause holes in aged liners or can poke into swimmer’s feet.
If replacement parts cannot be found or it’s too expensive to replace them all, then the best option often is replacing the entire pool.

D The pool looks ugly

Some just get tired of looking at the rust on their pool and elect to replace it. In many cases, it needs replacing anyway.

Replacing an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Installation,Repairs,Uncategorized

Even though most who get an above-ground pool are thinking that they will only have it for a few years, many decide to keep them beyond the pool’s life AND wind up replacing it with a new one.

Every year in Orlando, I remove existing above-ground pools and replace them with brand-new ones. Often, they are replaced in the same place with the same size and shape.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR ABOVE-GROUND POOL

Traditional above-ground swimming pools don’t last forever. Most will need replacing because the wall of the pool has become too rusty and is either in danger of blowing out (all of the pool’s water into the yard) or has already blown out.

For some others, the top rails have become rusty (if made of steel) or are cracking, discolored, sagging, or breaking (if made of resin). This has made the pool look bad and/or unpleasant to swim in.

In Orlando and surrounding towns, expect an above-ground pool to last between 10 and 20 years due to Central Florida’s harsh weather.

Other less common reasons to replace an AG pool are as follows:

A Big tree branches fell on them

B Tornadoes ( I replaced one that got sucked up into the sky in Deland during a tornado)

C Very poorly installed (They don’t last long when extremely off-level or out of shape)

D Pet horses rubbing against them (happened in Geneva once)

E Cows falling into them (happened in the Manor in St Cloud)

F Cars driving into them (Replaced for this reason in Kissimmee )

G Can’t get frame parts for the model anymore

H Neighbors accidentally shooting holes in them ( I’ve replaced several for this reason. Welcome to Florida)

REPLACING AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL WITH AN EXISTING DECK

Wood deck for an 18' round above ground pool in Winter Park Florida

In Orlando, having a deck along with an AG pool is very common. Here are some things you should know about replacing the old pool next to your deck with a new one.

1 The new pool very rarely will go back in the exact spot

Even though you are getting the same size pool, chances are that you won’t be able to get the new pool’s uprights exactly where the old ones were.

So, if the existing pool’s deck was built around the pool’s uprights, the new pool won’t fit perfectly to each cutout in the deck.

This is because every pool and model has slightly different dimensions AND each upright has a slightly different distance between them. So, if your deck is perfect to the existing pool, it won’t be perfect to the new pool.

2 In almost all cases, the deck was built AFTER the pool was installed.

Why does this matter? Because if your existing pool is out of round slightly AND/OR is not level, then the deck was built for a pool that is out of round and/or out of level.

Sooo, when the new pool goes in and the installer (like me) does a good job, the new pool will be level and in the correct shape (usually round). Soooo, if the existing deck is NOT quite level or built for a correctly shaped pool, then it will look and be off (not perfect).

3 Above ground pools come in three different heights – 48”, 52”, and 54”

Now why does THIS matter? Many decks are built to a specific height in relation to the height of the existing pool. So, if your new pool is a different height than the old one, then it will either sit higher (usually) or lower next to the deck than the old one did.

It’s common for people to want their new pool to be at the same level (in relation to the deck) as the old one was. If this is you, then my advice is to make sure your new pool is the same height as the old one.

This can be an issue if you have an older pool that is 48” tall. Most AG pools now are 52” and 54” high, so it can be hard to find a nice 48” walled pool anymore.

For most cases, if the new pool has a taller wall, then install the pool at the same level as the old one and just have a higher-looking pool sitting next to the deck. Unless your existing deck is sitting over the top rails that is.

4 Some decking may have to be cut to fit the new pool

During my years of martial arts training, I learned the 3 rules of fighting someone with a knife – Rule 1 “You’re gonna get cut”, Rule 2 “You’re gonna get cut”, and Rule 3 “You’re gonna get cut”.

After 38 years of replacing above-ground pools next to decks, I have one thing to say to the deck – “You’re gonna get cut”.

Yep, many decks have to get cut a little to make the new pool fit as close as possible. Try to accept this fact early on and you’ll be happier.

5 If needed, this is a great time to repair or replace the decking

REPLACING AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL THAT IS SEMI-INGROUND

Semi-inground 18' round above ground pool in Sanford, fl caved in

Here in Orlando, sinking an above-ground pool partially in the ground is very common. AG pools in the ground some will last just as long as those above the ground, but some will need replacing.

It’s a little harder to replace an above-ground pool when its semi in the ground. You have to get in and out of that hole a lot and that takes extra energy. The biggest thing you should know though is this:

Replacing a semi-inground pool requires you to dig the hole bigger all the way around by AT LEAST eight inches. (For many, a foot wider or more is required)

It’s common to not think about the extra space it takes to assemble an above-ground pool. I mean, you can’t put the pool together somewhere else and helicopter it into place from the sky. LOL

Shaving the existing hole 8-12 inches bigger all the way around can be a bit of a job with things like roots from landscaping, decorative stones or mulch in the way, and/or weed-blocking materials. It can really be a party dealing with all of that stuff.

The good news here is that most of greater Orlando is sand-based, so shaving the hole should be easier than if it was hard earth.

And the dirt dug out to make the hole bigger will be in piles around the pool area, which can make a bit of a mess.

REPLACING AN OVAL ABOVE-GROUND POOL

The biggest thing to know here is that ovals have structures along their straight sides called buttresses. Every size and model can have a different number of buttresses AND they can sit in different spots within the pool’s footprint.

So, if you’re replacing an oval in a tight spot, you may not have the room for where the new pool’s buttresses will be protruding from the pool’s wall along the straight sides.

This can be an issue too if you have an existing deck. I often have to move either a couple of 4×4 wood deck supports OR shift where the new pool is going because the new buttresses are running into the existing deck supports.

How Long Does an Above Ground Pool Last in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Repairs,Uncategorized

Above-ground swimming pools are more popular in Orlando than many think. Tens of thousands of Central Florida backyards have them (and some front yards too).

But how long does an above-ground pool last here in Orlando? How do they fair in this intense sunshine and long, brutal summers?

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

When I started installing above-ground pools, there was only one kind. Then Walmart started selling a pool with soft sides for way cheap. A while after that, AG pool manufacturers started making pools designed to go in the ground some of that were way expensive.

So, as I see it, there are three main types of above-ground pools

1 Soft-sided pools made by Intex, Bestway, Coleman, etc.

These are the cheapest pools that you can buy and most are bought through Walmart.

These pools usually come in just one big box, have poor equipment (pump, filter, ladder), and are easiest to install.

In Orlando, soft-sided pools last an average of one or two seasons (summers).

These pools are good for those with the least amount to spend for a pool OR if they just want to see if having a pool is good for them. Many start out with one of these and then graduate to a metal-walled pool later.

2 Metal-walled (hard-sided) pools

When someone says “above-ground pool”, this is usually what they mean. These pools come in several boxes, usually have decent equipment, and are harder to install.

In the Orlando area, metal-walled pools last an average of between 10 – 20 years.

Traditional metal-walled above-ground pools give you the best value for what you get as they provide a nice swimmer experience, can come with good equipment, and will last many years.

3 Above ground pools designed for semi-inground (partially in the ground)

About 25 years or so ago, it started to become common for people to buy an above-ground pool and sink it in the ground some. This was (and still is) a good, inexpensive alternative to having an inground pool.

Since above-ground pools are designed to go above the ground (duh), a drawback to sinking one in the ground is that it can cave in when you drain the water from it.

To answer this demand, AG pool makers (namely Wilbar) designed pools with walls that were sturdier (for being in the ground) and didn’t corrode to failure. These special walls were usually made of thicker, extruded aluminum and came in sections.

Semi-inground above-ground pool models will last for decades

The big negative to this type of above-ground pool is the price. They are usually two to three times the cost of a traditional metal-walled above-ground pool. And this is usually not worth the added life you will get out of it.

SEMI-INGROUND POOLS THAT ARE NOT ABOVE-GROUND POOLS

Lately, with the surge in concrete inground pool prices, a hybrid pool has become an option. This is a pool that can be completely out of the ground, in the ground some, and all the way in the ground.

These hybrid pools have paneled walls made of either resin or steel, are bolted together, and are supported by a concrete collar at the base.

I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS TYPE OF POOL AN ABOVE GROUND POOL

The Reasons?

1 Almost 100 percent of people who buy this type of swimming pool will put it in the ground some. In contrast, most above-ground pools will be installed above the ground.

2 This type of swimming pool has no real top rail. Something has to be added to the top of this pool to make it look complete. Actual above-ground pools don’t need anything beyond their frame and top rails.

3 This type of pool has very plain and unfinished walls. Above the ground, these walls look out of place and unfinished.

4 The cost of this pool is closer to an inground cost. This type of pool kit costs tens of thousands of dollars. Way too expensive to be considered an above-ground pool.

Repairing an Above Ground Pool in Orlando

Written by Danoadmin in Repairs,Uncategorized

It can be very hard to get an above-ground swimming pool repaired in Orlando. In truth, Orlando and the surrounding counties of Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Volusia have very few companies that work with above grounds.

Most needing above-ground pool repair will begin by calling their local retail pool supply store like Pinch-A-Penny or Leslie’s only to find that they only service inground pools.

Next, they try pool service companies close to them. With them, they get the same rejection to AG pools.

Those persistent (or desperate) enough eventually find one of the half dozen above-ground pool guys in Central Florida, like me. When they finally get ahold of someone like me, they are ready to get something done quickly.

At that point, the above-ground pool guy (me) has to break it to them that he either doesn’t do that kind of repair OR is way too busy with full pool installs.

MOST WANT TO GET THEIR POOL REPAIRED DURING THE HOT MONTHS

Even though there are thousands of above-ground pools in need of something, I, along with the maybe five other above-ground pool guys in Central Florida, sit dormant starting as early as September through February.

This is because most above-ground pool owners don’t care about fixing their pools until it gets hot outside. Then, when it hits 90 degrees outside sometime in the spring, the phone comes to life as hundreds decide that they want to do something with their pools.

To make matters much worse, this is the same time that people wanting to get a pool start looking to get one. And since I and the five other guys around Orlando make most of our living doing full installations, we get too busy to do any other type of pool job.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF REPAIRS PEOPLE WANT FOR ABOVE-GROUND POOLS IN ORLANDO

Thinking that you can call one person to take care of any or all your needs for your above-ground pool is common with people starting out. In reality, it’s going to be hard to find anyone to do most things with an above-ground pool.

A guy like me for example will only mainly install pools or put new liners in them. It isn’t worth it for me to do much more than that during the busy season (which is when 90 plus percent inquire about a repair.

To possibly help you find someone for your issue, here’s a list of issues that people look for someone to help them with.

1 To find a leak

This is a super common reason people need a pool guy. Almost every pool will eventually leak, and above-ground pools are no exception to this.

When I started my pool service company in the late 1980s, pool service guys did everything (including find leaks). In the early 90s, leak detection-only companies started popping up in and around Orlando.

Now, few (inground) pool service guys will look for a leak. Most now will refer you to a leak detection company.

This holds true for above-ground pools too, although AG pool owners rarely opt to pay the expensive cost of a leak detection company.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Learn how to and find the leak yourself

B Call a leak detection company

2 To repair a leak

When it comes to vinyl above-ground swimming pools, finding the leak is almost always the hard part. Patching a found leak in the vinyl somewhere is very easy.

Again though, you most likely won’t find anyone who will repair the leak. Now, if the leak is somewhere within the pool’s equipment (pump, filter, piping, etc.), then you have a slightly better chance of finding a pool guy to fix that.

More than likely though, you’ll be on your own fixing any leak in your AG pool.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Learn how to and fix the leak yourself

B If within the equipment and visible, possibly find a pool guy or store willing to do it.

C If in the liner somewhere and the liner is more than 4 years old, replace the entire liner

3 Pump not working

There is a big difference between inground pool pumps and above-ground pool pumps. This is why pool stores will repair inground pool pumps and/or replace their motors, but will NOT work on above-ground pool pumps.

The difference? Inground pool pumps cost more and are designed to eventually have their parts and motors replaced while above-ground pool pumps are designed to just be replaced when they fail.

YOUR OPTIONS

First, rule out any electrical supply issues that may be preventing your pump from working (like tripped breaker, faulty GFCI, bad wires, etc.). If it’s the pump, get it replaced.

A Find the exact match pump, buy from where you bought the pool originally or online somewhere, and replace yourself

B Find a pool guy or store that is willing to do it. Most who work on inground pumps won’t though.

4 Pool is green or black

For one reason or another, many will find themselves with a green or black pool and need someone to come out and bring it back to clean, clear, and healthy again. It will be extremely hard to find someone willing to do this with an above-ground pool.

During my sixteen years of owning a pool service company, I specialized in bringing green (and dark green) pools back to clear. BUT I would only work with ingrounds and not above-ground pools.

Unless you live way out in the country and have an independent pool service guy out there willing to service AG pools, you simply will not find a service guy to bring your green above-ground pool back to clear.

Above grounds are just too different and in most cases more difficult to bring back to clear. Also, above-ground pool owners aren’t as willing to spend what it takes to pay a pool guy to bring a pool back to clear and clean.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Get your pool back to looking good and healthy yourself by learning how to do it.

B Drain the pool, change the liner, and replace anything not working that made the pool go green to begin with.

5 Pool is off-level and/or out misshaped

In just about every case, an above-ground pool is off-level or out of shape and looking “wonky” from day one of the installation. Pools rarely move later, so if your problem is that the pool is off, it was probably that way from the beginning and you are now just noticing it.

I bring this up because some think that their pool is getting worse (more and more off-level) when it probably isn’t. NOTE: Soft-sided (Intex, Coleman, Bestway) type pools can gradually lose their level and come down. This article is not about soft-sided pools though.

Fixing an above-ground pool that is too off-level or out of round (egg-shaped) is a major repair. This usually involves taking out the existing liner and replacing it with a new one while moving the pool’s wall and adjusting the pool bottom.

99 times out of 100, this is not an easy fix and will be expensive. Often, it’s better to just live with the off-level pool until it’s time to change the liner a few years down the road.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Contact the guy who installed the pool and talk to him about fixing it. If he did a bad job, he should be willing to fix it for free. Should be, that is.

B Get it fixed by finding a good pool installer who can do it. Be prepared to drain the pool, BUY A NEW LINER FOR IT, and pay the pool guy a bigger number than you want to.

C Live with the off-level or out-of-shape pool until it’s time to change the liner. At that point, you will be paying for a new liner and the liner change out anyway, so the added cost to fix the pool will be less.

6 Pool has some rust or rusty parts

In most cases, rusty frame parts of an above-ground pool are purchased and replaced when the liner has to be changed out.

It just makes sense to change these parts during liner change time because the pool has to come apart anyway to get the new liner in. Plus, it would be hard to get a pool guy out there just to change a couple of frame parts AND it can be a pain to do while the pool is still full of water.

Now, if there is some major rust in the wall of the pool, that can be a cause for concern as the wall is what holds all of that pool water in place.

Rust on the pool wall (usually under the skimmer or return jet) should be investigated to see if it’s rusting all the way through.

If you are reading this and have this issue, take a few good pics of the rusted area and send them to me so I can take a look. I’ll do that regardless of how busy I am. My cell is 407.299.0124.

YOUR OPTIONS

A For rusty frame parts – Contact where you bought the pool or go online and find the parts that you need, buy them, and replace them yourself.

B For rusty frame parts – Contact where you bought the pool or go online and find the parts that you need for your pool. Buy them and have the pool guy replace them when it’s time to change your liner.

C For a rusty area of the wall – contact a pool installer, take some pics of it, and show them to the pool guy. Take his opinion and proceed.

7 Equipment needs to be replaced

It’s not uncommon to replace both the pump and the filter in an above-ground pool. This is because the pump and filter come as a “pack” and often one can’t be replaced without the other.

Replacing the pump/filter pack can be an easy job depending on the pool’s equipment set up, so many pool owners will do this themselves.

During the busy season, an above-ground pool guy won’t have time to add this service call type job to any of his install work days, so it can be hard to get a guy to do it. You may be able to get your local pool store to do this job, but usually not.

Some that have equipment that needs replacing (but is still working) will wait until it’s time to change the liner and then pay a little extra to have the pool guy replace the equipment while he is there to change the liner.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Purchase the new equipment and install them yourself

B Find a local pool store or pool guy to do the job (This may not be easy during the summer)

C Wait and get it replaced at the same time that you change the pool’s liner.

8 Pool needs a new liner

In reality, there are only a handful of people in Orlando and Central Florida that know how to change liners in above-ground pools well. And there are a few more who will attempt it.

Changing a liner is also something that many pool owners will do themselves. And a good amount of those will be successful at it.

YOUR OPTIONS

A Contact the one who installed your pool to begin with or find an experienced pool installer to do the job. NOTE: In most cases, you will be purchasing the liner yourself regardless of who installs it.

B Watch a couple of YouTube videos and attempt to install the liner yourself.